Pictured from left: AlburyCity Mayor Cr Kevin Mack with Mark Bartleson, Chris Paine and Chris Harris, and the original key to the Albury War Memorial.
AlburyCity will mark a historic milestone this ANZAC Day as the Albury War Memorial celebrates its 100th anniversary.
In a touching tribute to the legacy of service and sacrifice, three grandsons of original participants involved in the memorial’s construction and dedication will attend the centenary commemoration on 25 April.
The evening ceremony, to be held at the Albury War Memorial on Monument Hill at 7:30pm, will honour the memory of those who served in World War I and acknowledge the enduring significance of the memorial to the local community.
The three descendants represent a living link to the past. Their grandfathers were among the many who helped bring the memorial, now widely known as ‘The Monument’, to life in the aftermath of the Great War.
The grandson of builder Thomas Bartleson, Mark Bartleson, said it would be a privilege to share reflections on his family history at the service.
His grandfather’s role was particularly poignant after Thomas Bartleson’s son was killed in 1916 during a World War I battle at Pozieres in France.
“It means a lot to know that we are now walking where our grandfather would have walked as he built The Monument, a tribute to his beloved son, John Henry, and to all who have served in the military forces,” Mr Bartleson said.
“He would be proud and grateful that the Albury War Memorial he built is so well maintained and the whole area upgraded to the tribute it is today.”
Chris Paine, the grandson of General John Jackson Paine - who unveiled the memorial on ANZAC Day in 1925 - will also speak at the service and said it was an honour for the newest generations of the Paine family to attend this special event.
“My grandfather was born in Albury in 1864, one of four children born to John Hands Paine, the Town Clerk of Albury, and his wife Catherine Paine.
“I think JJ Paine would be amazed that we are taking care to celebrate this occasion.”
The grandson of the then Albury Town Band bandmaster Lieutenant Jack Jarvie, Chris Harris will perform a special tribute to the grandfather he never met and all who have served our country.
“Jack Jarvie died in 1946, so our living family didn't have the opportunity to meet him. His children, including my mother, aunts and uncle, cherished their memories of him as a devoted father and master musician. He served his country in two world wars and the city of Albury for 20 years,” Mr Harris explained.
“I’ll be singing You'll Never Walk Alone at the memorial service. It’s a wonderful way for me, and our family, to acknowledge one of Albury's own.”
Members of the public are encouraged to attend and share in this historic occasion on 25 April at 7:30pm.
The traditional 5:30am Dawn Service at Monument Hill, the 9am ANZAC Day March along Dean Street and 10am Service at Monument Hill will also take place on the 25th, in what’s set to be another memorable day of military commemorations for the city.
More information and the full program of the city’s ANZAC Day events are available on the AlburyCity website.